Steroids
Steroids (or corticosteroids) are synthetic hormones that mimic the action of cortisone, a naturally occurring hormone produced by the adrenal glands. These drugs are usually taken in tablet form but may be injected in the case of a particularly severe lupus flare. Dosage depends on the severity of symptoms and the person's general state of health, including age and weight. The main function of steroids is to treat inflammation. The flow-on effects of reduced inflammation include reduction of pain and fever. Steroids also dampen the activity of the immune system, which helps to reduce the severity of symptoms. It is very important not to cut back on the dose without your doctor's consent and supervision. Introducing steroids to the body means the adrenal glands reduce production of their own hormones. If the medication is then stopped suddenly, the adrenal glands may not be able to manufacture enough hormones for normal body functions. This dangerous condition is called 'adrenal insufficiency'.

Anti-malarial drugs
Anti-malarial drugs were designed to treat malaria, the illness caused by the bite from an infected mosquito. These drugs are also helpful to control the arthritis-like symptoms of joint pain and the sunshine-related skin lesions often associated with lupus. Certain anti-malarial drugs, such as hydroxychloroquine, are used to help alleviate fatigue. However, doses have to be maintained for weeks or even months before an improvement in symptoms occurs. In some cases, anti-malarials allow the person to take a lower dose of steroids.

Aspirin
Aspirin is an effective treatment for the inflammation, pain and fever associated with lupus. Some people can't tolerate aspirin because of its effects on the stomach lining. In these cases, a buffered or coated form of aspirin can be tried. Aspirin should always be taken with food.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
Most people with lupus only need to take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to manage their symptoms. NSAIDs have a similar effect to aspirin. Some people can tolerate them better than aspirin. NSAIDs are used to reduce inflammation, pain and fever associated with lupus. To minimise side effects, NSAIDs should be taken with food, milk or antacids.

Immunosuppressants
Lupus symptoms are triggered by the abnormal activity of the immune system, the specialised group of cells and chemicals that fight infection. Immunosuppressants reduce lupus symptoms by depressing the immune system. Unfortunately, this leads to an increased susceptibility to infection, because the drugs aren't selective – those parts of the immune system that function normally are depressed along with the abnormal parts. Immunosuppressants are very powerful and can provoke a wide range of side effects.

Side effects of immunosuppressants
Some of the side effects may include:

Cytotoxic chemotherapies
Cytotoxic chemotherapy is the medical option of last resort; it is used when the person's lupus is severe and all other drugs have failed to control the symptoms. Cytotoxic drugs act on the bone marrow where blood cells are born. A person undergoing this kind of treatment needs to have regular blood tests to make sure they have sufficient blood cells.

Side effects of cytotoxic chemotherapy
Some of the side effects may include:

Medications to avoid
Lupus medications can interact dangerously with other drugs. Never take drugs for other unrelated conditions unless they are prescribed by the same doctor who treats your lupus. This includes over-the-counter medications that don't require a doctor's prescription. Generally, medications to avoid include:

I have recently started on cellcept. I tried Immuran and had terrible reaction to it. I have begun feeling similar affects with cellcept. Symptoms are extreme fatigue,Severe depression flu-like symptoms. Have you ever heard of otheres experiencing this from immunosuppressants??

08-26-2003, 07:21 AM

Saysusie

Lgaechter;
Welcome to our forum :lol: . I have researched your question and have found the following information:
Cellcept (aka: Mycophenolate Mofetil) is generally used to prevent rejection of an organ. However, as a immunosuppressant, I can see why your doctor would try it for LUPUS. The general side-effects are gastrointestinal upset such as nausea, vomitting and diarrhea. As with most immunosuppressant, common side-effects could include mood swings (euphoria, depression, easy to anger, easy to laugh), increased appetite, weight gain, muscle weakness, joint pain, fragile skin, easy bruising, rounded face and hair growth on the body. Are you also taking Prednisone? It is a cortisteroid and can excacerbate all of the above side-effects!
You are not going crazy...your emotional reactions are side-effects to the illness and to your drug therapy. You are O.K.!!
Take Care of Yourself
Peace and Blessings
Saysusie